I have got a DVD-RW on which I'd like to install some linux distributions, but I've tried a few (Ubuntu 13.10, Crunchbang, ElementaryOS and some others, don't really remember), but they didn't work, which has me worried that it might not be possible.

The problem is that I will be using both my USB ports and my HDD for data, so that is not an option.

I'd just like to know if it was possible to install a distribution to my DVD-RW?

If I need to change some config files in the source and compile it myself (which I think is what I need to do), I can do that myself if you could tell me where to look.

You can install a linux distro onto a dvd-rw no problem, if you using windows just download some kind of ISO burner. As for them not working have you checked that your primary boot device is set to rather than your hard disc in the bios?

I'm not talking about running a live DVD, I'm talking about the actual install, as in using my DVD-RW as the medium that it's installed on.
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user1009013Nov 8 '13 at 14:35

I do apologize i misunderstood your question, then no it is not possible as Dvd re writer drives don't have any storage (other than perhaps a cache area). Use a live CD it's probably the best way alternatively get an E-SATA drive to install linux on
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daarkNov 8 '13 at 14:38